National Crash Responder Safety Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

National Crash Responder Safety Week

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia remains committed to implementing effective and efficient traffic incident response and management strategies that reduce the duration and impact of roadway incidents and enhance the safety of motorists, crash victims, and emergency responders; and

WHEREAS, National Crash Responder Safety Week provides an opportunity for state agencies and emergency responders to share coordinated information that supports traffic incident management and public education efforts; and

WHEREAS, emergency responders and roadway safety professionals, with unwavering dedication and professionalism, carry out their duties at or near traffic crashes-often mere inches from motorists traveling at highway speeds-thereby safeguarding the lives of Virginians under challenging and hazardous conditions; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth supports efforts to ensure safer crash scenes that protect all emergency responders, including law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, transportation and public works staff, towing and recovery operators, emergency management, hazardous materials responders, medical examiners, and other partner agencies; and

WHEREAS, motorists are urged to reduce speed, move over, and exercise caution when approaching crash scenes and when encountering flashing blue, red, or amber emergency lights, activated hazard flashers, caution signage, or properly lit flares; and

WHEREAS, National Crash Responder Safety Week serves as a vital reminder of the importance of well-planned and coordinated efforts to detect, respond to, and clear traffic crashes so that traffic flow may be restored as safely and efficiently as possible;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize November 2-6, 2026, as NATIONAL CRASH RESPONDER SAFETY WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.